Man charged over alleged hit-run in Taylors Lakes
A 20-year-old man has appeared in court over an alleged hit-run that killed a father of two while he was cycling in Taylors Lakes. It comes as friends remember the victim as a “sweet” and “lovely” man.
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A young driver has fronted court charged over an alleged hit and run in Taylors Lakes this morning which killed a cyclist.
Mehdi Sameri, 20, is accused of fleeing after he allegedly struck 49-year-old Colin Waters about 6.40am.
He presented himself to Caroline Springs police station about 7.30am, roughly an hour later.
Mr Sameri, of Avondale Heights, appeared in Melbourne Magistrates’ Court tonight charged with offences including culpable and dangerous driving causing death.
He is also charged with failing to stop and render assistance.
It was the 20-year-old’s first time in custody, and he was supported by his sobbing partner and family members.
Mr Sameri did not apply for bail and prosecutors said Mr Waters’ family opposed it.
The young man was remanded to reappear in court tomorrow.
Mr Waters, of Taylors Lakes, died at the scene on the Melton Highway, near McCubbin Drv.
Mr Waters worked a contractor for Metro Trains.
His wife has been surrounded by family at their Taylors Lakes home.
Mr Waters is a father of two boys and came to Australia from the UK.
Neighbour Sophie said Colin was a “lovely” man.
“He’s the sweetest guy, he would do anything for you,” she said.
“He’s just lovely.
“He’s the friendliest, happiest man.
“I still can’t believe it, I feel sick in the stomach.
“It’s not fair.”
Detective Senior Sergeant Gerard Clanchy said drug, alcohol and mobile phone use would be investigated.
“The driver would have known that he struck someone, there would have been obvious damage and he would have been aware of the impact,” he said earlier today.
“It appears at this stage, it is possible the driver ran the red light.”
Police and emergency services attended the scene — after witnesses were forced to call triple-0 - where they discovered Mr Waters had suffered life-threatening injuries.
Tragically, he could not be revived.
TAYLORS LAKES: Det Sen Sgt Gerard Clanchy from MCIU said the driver’s actions (a P-plater) were “callous†& drug, alcohol and mobile phone use would be investigated. It appears the driver ran a red light in the 80km/h zone. Victim a 49yr old Taylors Lakes man. @theheraldsun pic.twitter.com/TnlgD5dsqz
— Brianna Travers (@briannatravers) July 24, 2019
The silver station wagon allegedly involved in the incident sustained damage to the windscreen and the front end of the car.
Outbound lanes were closed on the Melton Highway just after Kings Rd, with police diverting traffic at Watergradens Shopping Centre.
At least 35 yellow evidence markers were laid out and part of the blue bicycle remained on the road.
TAYLORS LAKES: An SES tent is set up on the Melton Highway, near McCubbin Drive in Taylors Lakes after a cyclist was struck and killed this morning. @theheraldsun pic.twitter.com/uoDF3esYEu
— Brianna Travers (@briannatravers) July 23, 2019
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Bicycle Network chief Craig Richards said it had been a “shocking” year on Victoria’s roads
“This is another terrible tragedy and it has been a shocking year for lives lost,” he said.
“This takes cyclist fatalities to eight lives lost for Victoria since January 1.
“Nine is the normal annual average for cyclists in Victoria … essentially this is double where it should be at this time of the year.
“We need to be doing more to curb the tragedy of lives lost with better infrastructure for cyclists and reduced speed limits.”
The fatal incident takes Victoria’s road toll this year to 174, 63 up on the same time last year.
The investigation is ongoing, with the major collision unit attending.
Anyone who witnessed the collision, with dashcam footage or further information, is urged to contact Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000.
With AAP